Army major martyred in South Waziristan landmine blast

PESHAWAR: A Pakistan Army major embraced martyrdom in a landmine blast in South Waziristan Agency today, ARY News reported.

Major Imran succumbed to his wounds while six other soldiers also sustained injuries in the blast, said Inter-Services Public Relations in a statement.

The security convoy was passing through the area when their vehicle came under the blast. The security forces cordoned off the area shortly after the blast.

The semi-autonomous tribal areas on the Afghan border have for years been a hideout for militants of all stripes, including Al Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban as well as foreign fighters such as Uzbeks and Uighurs.

Pakistan began a long-awaited push to clear insurgent bases from North Waziristan in June 2014 after a bloody Taliban attack on Karachi airport finally sank faltering peace talks.

Military offensives in Khyber and South Waziristan began in 2009; civilians have been allowed to return to those areas where operation had been wrapped up.

A group of militants have used these areas to launch attacks on the Pakistani forces and U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan.

Air strikes, artillery, mortars and ground troops have all been used to take back territory.